Jefferies to play waiting game for Hartley and Bryson

JIM JEFFERIES was today remaining patient over attempts to recruit a new midfielder for Hearts as Paul Hartley returned to Bristol City to resume training and Kilmarnock continued to resist approaches for Craig Bryson.

Hartley is due back at Ashton Gate after being excluded from Bristol's pre-season trip to Sweden and remains unclear over where his future lies. Aberdeen have joined Hearts as suitors of the 33-year-old, although he has made clear his preference to return to Tynecastle. He is available on a free transfer but any offer from Hearts will depend on the outcome of negotiations with Kilmarnock over Bryson.

The 23-year-old is Jefferies' preferred choice to fill the goalscoring midfield role but Michael Johnston, the Rugby Park chairman, is demanding upwards of 500,000 for the club's prize asset. Hearts' highest offer to date sits at 375,000.

"I'm not confident until they agree terms and sign on the dotted line," said Jefferies when asked about the prospect of a new midfielder arriving. "I learned over the years not to get screwed up about it. If it happens, it happens.

"If it doesn't, you just have to move on. We've made inquiries and if we get any go ahead, we'll see. Right now it's best to wait and see. We've made a bid for Craig and it's up to Kilmarnock if they take it."

If a deal cannot be agreed for Bryson, Jefferies will switch his attentions to Hartley. He has spoken with representatives of the former Celtic player and has kept abreast of developments on his situation at Bristol City.

Steve Coppell, the Bristol manager, has given Hartley permission to leave for free despite his contract with the Championship club having another 12 months to run.